VOLUNTEER HAILED — Wesmoreland Central High School senior Zach Stephens receives an award of appreciation by the Wesmoreland Youth Basketball association recently. Stephens has volunteered for the group, coaching and mentoring youth, for several years. From left: Roger Doyle, president of the association, Tony Albrecht, association member; Stephens, and Darrick Dean, association member.
(Photo submitted)

Westmoreland association honors student for help, dedication

Published Feb 11, 2018 at 9:00am

WESTMORELAND — The Westmoreland Youth Basketball association has presented an award for volunteer appreciation to Zach Stephens, a senior at Westmoreland Central High School.

Stephens has volunteered with the organization for the past several years, according to Roger Doyle, president of the association.

“Zach has always been there for these children,” Doyle said, adding that Stephens, “has stood out as a volunteer coach and mentor” to the participants in the program.

Stephens has been with the group since it started with seven or eight kids, Doyle said, and has been a part of its growth to an organization serving more than 110 boys and girls combined.

“He’s been a leader, on and off the court,” Doyle said, adding that the children in the program “really look up to him” for his leadership and dedication to the program.

“One story really stands out when it comes to Zach,” Doyle said. “When he was a 10th-grader, he blew his knee out on a Thursday night and two days later he is in the gym, on crutches, coaching and helping out. His mom said he made her bring him because he didn’t want to disappoint the kids.”

Stephens is the first recipient of the award, Doyle said, adding that the organization plans to make the award an annual tradition.